Marian Kim Phelps, the superintendent of the Poway Unified School District in San Diego, California, was dismissed from her position after students accused her of threatening to exclude them from graduation events for not applauding loudly enough for her daughter at a sports banquet, as reported by The New York Post.
In a closed-door meeting held on Tuesday, the board overseeing the district unanimously voted to terminate Phelps from her role as superintendent, citing a loss of confidence and trust in her ability to continue in the position. Michelle O'Connor-Ratcliff, the board's president, read a statement announcing Phelps' dismissal following an investigation into her conduct that began on November 15 of the previous year.
The board's statement mentioned that the investigation uncovered previously unknown evidence from witnesses with direct first-hand knowledge that contradicted Phelps' statements and assertions to the board, district staff, and the public.
The incident in question occurred on May 30 of the prior year when Phelps alleged that members of the softball team at Del Norte High School, a campus within the Poway Unified School District, did not applaud loudly enough for her daughter when she was named the most valuable player at a team banquet. Subsequently, Phelps initiated an investigation into the matter and threatened to prevent students from attending graduation ceremonies.
Additionally, Phelps is facing a lawsuit related to the incident.
